Survival Strategies Of "Baro Scavenger" Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Sawahlunto

This article describes the survival strategies of the “Mulung Baro” (“Coal Scavenger”) women during the Covid-19 pandemic in the city of Sawahlunto. In addition, the article analyzes the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the households of “Coal Scavenger” women. The involvement of women in mining activities is quite striking. Until now, mining has been perceived as a male-dominated role. However, in the mines of Sawahlunto, women are found scavenging for coal. The strategies of the “Coal Scavenger” women include: a) developing new skills in order to provide secondary sources of income such as: massaging massage therapy, baking and selling cakes or snacks, cooking for wedding events as day laborers, b) decreasing household spending, and c) performing jobs usually not undertaken by women, such as serving as neighborhood security in the nagari (village). In conclusion, “Coal Scavenger” women undertake various strategies as housewives in order to sustain their households. This includes doing jobs normally viewed as reserved for men, such as working for neighborhood security. In fact, these “Coal Scavengers” are accustomed to jobs with inherent risks, leading them to have already exercised ‘faith’ when faced with any workplace hazards. The main goal of “Mulung Baro” women is increasing household income in order to provide for the needs of their children and other family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.